"Not hammer-strokes, but dance of the water, sings the pebbles into perfection."
— Rabindranath Tagore

Sunday, September 06, 2015

Upcoming events for the week of September 6, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

09/07/15 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

Please Join Us this Monday night at Green Sage. As always you are invited to give an announcement or ask for signatures on a petition. Please give us a heads up with a quick email to let us know how much time you need. We ask that all attendees to RSVP so we can give our friends at Green Sage a headcount for dinner, beverage and/or dessert. To RSVP or for more information, call Cheryl at 828-776-3327. Dinner is at 5:30 PM and talk with Cecil Bothwell of Asheville City Council at 6 PM. Location is the Green Sage Cafe in Westgate.

09/08/15 WNC 4 PEACE PROCLAMATION READING

Please come and stand with all of us as we stand for peace in our world, country, city, neighborhood, family and within our hearts. The Asheville City Council will hold the reading of the Peace Day Proclamation at 5 PM on the second floor of Asheville City Hall.

09/08/15 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe on Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Lyle at hufbutcher@hotmail.com to confirm and for more information.

09/09/15 GREEN DRINKS

Interested in making your home greener, but frustrated because you don’t have thousands to spend for a major renovation? This discussion focuses on ways that homeowners on a tight budget can change how they operate their homes to achieve significant energy savings. We will also discuss inexpensive upgrades that make easy do-it-yourself projects. Amy Musser will speak, and she is co-founder and principal of Vande Musser Design, PLLC, founded in 2002. Socializing at 5:30 and presentation is at 6 PM. Location is The Green Sage at 5 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville.

09/09/15 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Susan at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

09/10/15 BUILDING BRIDGES

Building Bridges is starting a new seminar on the dynamics of racism and how it has impacted our relationships, institutions and community. The session runs from September 10 to November 5 from 7-9pm at AB Tech and costs $35. This is an outstanding opportunity to learn together how to improve our interactions. Registration is now closed, class is full. For more information call 828 -777-4585.

09/10/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE OF WNC GENERAL MEETING

Join us as we plan and explore the upcoming Book Studies, the Care for our Common Home event and talk about spiritual practices as the roots to compassionate action. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM, and location is the First Baptist Church of Asheville at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Information came from their website.

09/10/15 POTLUCK AT DEMOCRATIC PARTY HEADQUARTERS

On the second Thursday of every month the Buncombe County Democrats have a Potluck at the Democratic Headquarters. The speaker for out September 10th Potluck will be Randy Bernard of Move On. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish or donate $5. The Potluck begins at 6 PM. Buncombe County Democratic Headquarters is at the very end of Old Fairview Road, off of Fairview Road in Oakley.

09/10/15 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE MEET & GREET

If you're an Asheville voter, we invite you to join us for an Asheville City Council Candidate Pre-Primary Meet & Greet, Thursday, September 10, 6 - 8 PM, at the YWCA of Asheville (185 S. French Broad Ave.). Come out and learn where candidates stand on issues important to children and families like housing, transportation, and health. Click for more info. This is presented by a coalition of Asheville nonprofit organizations for a nonpartisan voter education event. All candidates in the primary election will be invited to set up a table to meet and greet the community. Each candidate will have an opportunity to give a brief “why I am running” speech at the event.

09/10/15 VIGIL FOR PEACE AND DIPLOMACY

This is a Move On event and will be held at the Federal Building in downtown Asheville. Time is 6 PM. Message from your host, Rachael B.: Do you want President Obama's negotiated Agreement with Iran approved by your senator and congressional representative. Come say so with us. Bring a candle and sign. Let them know! Contact Rachael if you plan to come at 828-505-9425.

09/10/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Location is Firestorm Cafe & Books in west Asheville. Time is 10 AM. Call Firestorm for more information.

09/12/15 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Citizens Climate Lobby meets on 9-12-15 from 12:30-3 PM at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables.For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

09/12/15 HENDERSON COUNTY BIG SWEEP (CLEAN UP)

Sign up for the Henderson County Big sweep, hosted by MountainTrue’s Southern Regional Office. Henderson County Big Sweep is a county-wide litter cleanup program that brings citizens and community organizations together to clear trash from their waterways. Anyone can join in the fun by registering with friends and family or by joining an existing team. Teams will hold cleanups between 9 AM - 3 PM in streams throughout the county. For more information or to volunteer for Henderson County Big Sweep with MountainTrue’s Southern Regional Office, contact Evan Parker, Water Quality Administrator, at (828) 692-0385 ext 1001.

09/12/15 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT

Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville. Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the Landfill i.e Styrofoam, Electronics, Books, Batteries, Cooking Oil and much more. September 12th - Swannanoa - Madden Ace Hardware 2319 U.S. 70, Swannanoa (10 AM to 2 PM). Contact volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information or to confirm.

09/12/15 to 09/13/15 CONNECTION PRACTICE

The Connection Practice with Cathy Holt. Learn to communicate compassionately, deepen rapport through empathy, and access your heart's wisdom for problem-solving in this day and a half workshop. Special offer: sign up by Sept. 8, come for half price! (only $60) For more info or to register, call Cathy at 828-545-9681 or email cathyfholt@gmail.com.

09/13/15 ASHEVILLE NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN MEETING

Monthly meeting, free. Held at YWCA of Asheville at 185 French Broad Avenue. Time is 2 PM. Email ashevillenow@live.com for more information and to confirm.

09/13/15 SIERRA CLUB ELECTRIC CAR EVENT

Join us on September 13 in Asheville for the annual event designed to showcase the speed, convenience, clean-air benefits and fuel cost-savings of electric vehicles through ride-and-drives and other great activities. This is part of National Drive Electric Week celebrations. Time is noon to 6 PM and location is Asheville Outlets on Brevard Road in Asheville. Some events will feature test drives by local auto dealers or test rides with owners, and all offer the opportunity to learn about the driving electric experience from veteran EV drivers.

09/14/15 MANNA ANNUAL ‘EMPTY BOWLS’ EVENTS

The Empty Bowls events involve lunch at 11 AM to 1:30 PM at Doubletree by Hilton at 115 Hendersonville Road in Asheville and dinner at 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park at 43 Town Square Blvd. Each event is $35 for adults, $10 for kids aged 8-15, under 7 years is free. Adult tickets include a bowl of your choice made by local artisans. Go to Manna Food Bank website for tickets and more information.

09/14/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING

Phyllis Stiles, Bee City USA founder and director, will speak about the national movement to increase healthy pollinator habitats. She will share the vital role that thousands of species of pollinators play in sustaining the planet, the causes of their decline in the United States, and small and large things that each of us can do to help reverse their declines. There are twelve certified Bee Cities in five states to date, with many more in the process of developing their applications. Southern Oregon University became the first Bee Campus USA in April, and as with the cities, Stiles expects many more campuses to follow. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is the Parish Hall, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801 (parking in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley…north of the church or on the street). This is a Facebook event.

09/14/15 LECTURE AT UNCA ON CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE

Dr. Mark Anderson, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Conservation Science for Eastern North America, will be presenting in Asheville at 3 PM on Monday, September 14th, on the climate change resilience spatial analysis he and his team pioneered over the past several years. This work and related studies have recently been featured in the journal Conservation Biology, The Christian Science Monitor, and Yale Environment360. This will be an opportunity for conservation, academic, and research communities in and around Western North Carolina to engage with Mark directly on the science and methodology at the heart of TNC’s resilience datasets, which form the primary basis for the Open Space Institute’s Resilient Landscapes Initiative. The event will be held at the Mountain View Conference Room in the Sherrill Center at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This location offers easy parking options in the decks located adjacent to the facility. Directions can be accessed here. If you are likely to attend, please let us know by sending an email to dray@osiny.org. Contact Karin at krogers@unca.edu for more information.

09/16/15 GREEN DRINKS

Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace. For our Asheville Green Drinks presentation, WNC 4 Peace will discuss what we have planned for International Day of Peace in Asheville and Black Mountain, and will discuss the many faceted diamond of peace, from inner peace to world peace. Socializing at 5:30 PM and presentation from 6 – 7 PM. Location is The Green Sage (Downtown) 5 Broadway St. in Asheville.

09/19/15 AMERICANS WHO TELL THE TRUTH EXHIBIT

Robert Shetterly's “Americans Who Tell the Truth” exhibit is opening on 9/19/15. Please buy your tickets to the Gala and Opening now before they're all gone (only 300 will be sold). Cost is $25. For more information, including how to get tickets, call 828-273-1781 or email awttnc@gmail.com. The Opening Gala will include the artist Robert Shetterly unveiling Rev. William Barber's portrait (with three Barber family members and civil rights attorney Al Mc Surely present). Music will be performed by Daniel Barber and the Inspirational Choir of Western Carolina University, skit performed by Barbara Bates Smith and Jeff Sebens, spoken word by Soulspeak Asheville Youth Poetry. Food and drink will be provided from Green Opportunities kitchen. And, the exhibit containing the portraits of fifty-two (52) courageous Americans Who Tell the Truth will open. PLEASE NOTE- Reverend Barber, who will not be able to join us at the Gala as he will be in D.C. receiving the Phoenix award from the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, will join us on Sunday at the YMI to honor the regional youth art participants (known as Courage in Our Midst) and have a "conversation" with Robert Shetterly about Truth, Courage and Activism. And, please forward this invite to any/all that you think would like to join us for this inspiring, uplifting, remarkable event. Mountain People's Assembly is hosting this event with YMI. This is a ticketed event, tickets start at $25. Go to YMI webpage for more information.

09/19/15 AND 09/20/15 HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE IN GREENVILLE SC

Carolina Human Rights OrgaNizing Conference (or CHRONIC) will hold a several day conference primarily on the issue of race relations on September 19-20, 2015 in Greenville, SC. See www.chronic2015.weebly.com for details.

09/19/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE

Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 5 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month.

09/19/15 ASHEVILLE HOUSING FAIR

Come to the Asheville Housing Fair at the Stephens-Lee Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Are you interested in buying a home? Are you a renting and would like to own? Need help paying your rent? Do you want to know how to improve your credit? Thinking about using your home as a vacation rental? Curious about tiny homes? The Asheville Housing Fair will guide you in the right direction through all of this and more. With workshops focused on practical “how-to” guidance and over 20 housing resources on site to discuss your needs, the Asheville Housing Fair is the place for all things related to affordable housing opportunities. This is a FREE event, no tickets required. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is Stephens Lee Recreation Center on Max Street in Asheville NC. This is a Facebook event.

09/20/15 PEOPLE’S PEACE FESTIVAL IN ASHEVILLE

Special fun and educational events in Asheville will take place on Sunday, September 20. WNC 4 Peace will be collaborating with French Broad Food Coop to celebrate peace in the Asheville. Music, food, fun, family activities and information about peace will be in abundance as some 30 groups set up tables to educate participants. Peace activists along with Performers David LaMotte, Geri Littlejohn and Rhoda Weaver will sing songs of hope, inspiration, and peace with people of diverse beliefs in a troubled world. The celebration will also include group meditation, and a 12 noon bell tolling throughout the city, Dances for Universal Peace, inspirational insights from local peace leaders, and Asheville White Dove Releases. Those who wish can initiate a Walk for Peace following the program. Time is 1 to 5 PM. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com for more information.

09/21/15 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE

On Monday, September 21, at 11:30 AM, WNC 4 Peace hosts a celebration for Peace Day (declared by the UN) in downtown Asheville. We will meet at the Peace Pole in front of Asheville City Hall, where participants will observe a moment of silence. Asheville bells will be rung all around town, peace activist and performer David LaMotte, Geri Littlejohn and Rhoda Weaver plan to sing and play music for the celebration. People of diverse beliefs will gather to explore the spirit of peace in a troubled world, while white doves are released to send our message out into the universe. Rain location will be First Congregational Church on Oak Street in downtown Asheville. This will go until about 1:15 PM. For more information, call Rachael at 828-378-0125.

09/21/15 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING

Location is the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diana at dianakruk@gmail.com or 828-275-0680.

09/23/15 GREEN DRINKS

This legislative session has been jam-packed with moves to roll back environmental protections, hinder renewable energy, slash funding for open space protections and more. But it’s not all bad news. Many of our WNC legislators have stood against these shenanigans and are attempting to forward legislation to protect our communities’ natural resources. We’ll get you caught up on environmental outcomes of this legislative session, priorities between sessions and next year, and how you can get involved in holding our lawmakers accountable to the public they serve. Socializing at 5:30 and presentation is at 6 PM. Location is The Green Sage at 5 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville.

09/23/15 REVISIONING HISTORY BOOK GROUP

This discussion group focuses on books that challenge or expand on dominant historical narratives and research methodologies. Together, we investigate -- and question -- the common idea that history is merely the objective presentation of facts, and explore the ways in which ideology plays a role in how history is interpreted, transmitted, and culturally/academically institutionalized. Time is 7 PM. Location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information. September book is The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist.

09/24/15 LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP BY MOUNTAIN TRUE IN HENDERSONVILLE

This legislative session has been jam-packed with moves to roll back environmental protections, hinder renewable energy, slash funding for open space protections and more. But it’s not all bad news. Many of our WNC legislators have stood against these shenanigans and are attempting to forward legislation to protect our communities’ natural resources. We’ll get you caught up on environmental outcomes of this legislative session, priorities between sessions and next year, and how you can get involved in holding our lawmakers accountable to the public they serve. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Biz 611 at 611 North Church Street in Hendersonville, which is the MountainTrue office. For any questions and to RSVP, please contact Joan at Joan@Mountaintrue.org, 828-575-6268 ext. 205.

09/24/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE OF WNC DINNER AND EVENT

“Caring for Our Common Home: Responding to the Pope’s call for action” is the theme for this event. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is St. Eugene’s Catholic Church at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Join with others to be inspired by the words of the Pope’s Encyclical and watch Pope Francis’ address to Congress. Light dinner included. Discuss what the Pope’s message means to the world and commit to one behavioral change to better care for God’s Creation. Sponsored by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. Information came from their website.

09/24/15 ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES SUMMIT

The main speaker talks about how to build compassionate communities for our children, and one of the critical breakout sessions is “The First 2000 Days”. If we can expose them to compassion and alternatives to violence early, anything is possible! $199 for entire conference and you can just register for parts. Dates are 09/24/15 to 09/26/15 and location is Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. Contact Robyn at forrestwife@yahoo.com for more information including how to register. This is sponsored by MAHEC.

09/24/15 to 09/27/15 SOUTHEAST GE TREES ACTION CAMP

Global Justice Ecology Project and the Campaign to STOP GE Trees Presents: The Southeast GE Trees Action Camp. This is a Dogwood Alliance Partner Event. The US South is ground zero for GE trees, and now more than ever, we need to come together to save native forests and stop GE trees. Join for four days of training to take action to prevent the release of GE trees. Participants of the action camp will be given an overview of the current state of GE trees, with a focus on the US South, as well as training in organizing, direct action, blockades, our rights as protestors, how to use media and art in protests, among other critical topics. The goal of the training is for the immediate and direct use of skills and knowledge gained at the action camp in protests and organizing against GE trees. Application deadline is 09/02/15. Please contact Ruddy at Ruddy@globaljusticeecology.org for more information including where to go register.

09/24/15 LIBERTY BOOK CLUB

A monthly book group dedicated to liberty, true freedom, and our ability to cultivate a society in which people can think for themselves. From the event organizers: Please join in if you want to "wake up," step out of social conformities, and read about the facts behind the propaganda that is constantly thrown in our faces. The Liberty Book Club meets on the last Thursday of each month. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.

09/27/15 FUNDRAISER FOR THE BLADE

For over a year, the Asheville Blade has brought the public hard-hitting journalism and sharp perspectives on the city we live in. With no ads or corporate backing, the Blade depends upon its readers and supporters to survive and thrive. This event will see the Blade's talented crew of writers, journalists and artists show off some of their best work and give a glimpse of what's to come, as well as performance, music and treats. Admission is free for Blade subscribers, $5 donation for all others. Time is 3 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.

09/29/15 POVERTY SIMULATION BY JUST ECONOMICS

CJJ Sponsored Poverty Simulation: The Difficulty of Living on Minimum Wage in WNC. Join Just Economics in a poverty simulation that will provide the community an opportunity to learn first-hand how difficult it is to live on a minimum wage salary in WNC. The cost is $10. Participation will be limited to the first 45 registrants. Time is 4 to 6 PM and location is the Edington Education & Career Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. For more information or to register, contact Judy Leavitt at judleavitt76@gmail.com.

09/30/15 GREEN DRINKS

Curious about solar energy? Want to know your options for switching over to solar? Join Asheville Green Drinks in meeting Erika Schneider, director of communications at Sundance Power Systems and Bill Maloney, the Solar Panels Project Coordinator at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Erika will help clarify the difference with the direct purchase, finance or lease options for your future or dream solar installation. As legislation can vary between states, she will also touch on current legislation surrounding solar energy in NC. St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville is installing over 100 Solar Panels this September to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to the US. In his Encyclical “Laudato Si” we are encouraged to take Care of the Earth. This 45.99 KW DC Net Metered system will reduce CO2 emissions and our dependence on fossil fuel, provide 22% of the Church’s electricity, and give a 35% NC tax credit and 30% Federal charitable tax deduction to donors. MB Haynes Energy Solutions of Asheville will do the installation. The presentation will discuss our project and show how your Congregation can do the same. Socializing at 5:30 PM and presentation from 6 – 7 PM. Location is The Green Sage (Downtown) 5 Broadway St. in Asheville.

09/30/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP

This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or "radical" theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. September will be Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.

10/06/15 ELECTION DAY FOR PRIMARIES

10/06/15 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE SERIES

“From Humanitarian Intervention to the Responsibility to Protect: the Evolving Discourse on Human Protection,” with George Andreopoulos, director of the Center for International Human Rights at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and professor of political science and criminal justice at City University of New York. The lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, and the university's Department of Political Science. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. For more information call 828.251.6140.

10/07/15 SIERRA CLUB MEETING AND GREEN DRINKS

Sierra Club meeting on Community Greenways And Bikeways: Where We/ve Been And Where We Are Headed. Speakers are Marc Hunt, Vice Mayor of Asheville and Mike Sule, Jim Grode, and Claudia Nix. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Time is 7 PM. Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.

10/07/15 ANNIVERSARY OF US INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN

It has been 14 years we have spent destroying that country. And the Taliban are still there.

10/09/15 AUDUBON CLIMATE AMBASSADOR TRAINING

Audubon Climate Ambassador Training from 9:30 AM to 4 PM at New Hope Presbyterian Church at 3070 Sweeten Creek in Asheville. Birds need our help now to adapt to and survive the effects of climate change. Audubon North Carolina and the Creation Care Alliance are recruiting volunteers for a new Audubon Ambassadors program. Join with other North Carolinians who care about the health of our planet and are committing to specific actions that will make a difference for birds. More information at http://climate.nc.audubon.org/ambassadors.

10/14/15 FIFTH ANNUAL POVERTY FORUM

Join Pisgah Legal Services for our 5th Annual Poverty Forum called Getting Upstream of Poverty with Dr. Rishi Manchanda. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. Don't miss "upstreamist" health care innovator and visionary Dr. Rishi Manchanda who will discuss the relationship between health and poverty as we explore what we as a community can do to improve the health of our society. Forum starts at 7 PM, cocktail reception before that. Tickets are $50 for forum and cocktails, $15 for forum only. To buy tickets by phone or for sponsorship information, contact Betsy Ellis at (828) 210-3444.

10/16/15 and 10/17/15 RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE TWO DAY WORKSHOP

Racial Equity Institute (REI) is offering a two-day workshop for people of color and white people who are committed to eliminating racism. It provides an analysis that helps participants gain clarity about how racism is organized and how to work to disrupt its powerful influence. Registration required. The cost is $150 per person and registration is open to the public. Please submit registration forms and payment as soon as you (or your organization) are able to commit to the workshop. Time and location TBD. For more information including how to register, contact Laura Eshelman at eshelmanlaura@gmail.com or Isabel Carson at carson.isabel@gmail.com.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY

Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

THURSDAY

Showing Up For Racial Justice meeting at 10 AM at Firestorm Cafe & Books in west Asheville.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm.

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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ASHEVILLE --- WNC 4 Peace announces an exciting weekend of activities in Asheville and Black Mountain, September 17, 20 and 21, in solidarity with communities around the globe as they celebrate International Day of Peace. This newly formed coalition of peacemakers represents all aspects of peace including spiritual community organizing, and focus on international issues

Leading off a long weekend is the public event Thursday, September 17, 7 PM Labyrinth Walk at the Center for Spiritual Living off Sand Hills Road.

Saturday, September 19, at 6 PM at YMI, 39 Market St. in downtown Asheville. As part of the “Americans Who Tell the Truth” exhibit, a portrait of Rev. William Barber of Moral Monday fame, will be unveiled for the first time as a new addition to the esteemed heroes on display in this exhibit. Mountain People’s Assembly is hosting this event with YMI. Tickets ($25) are required. Contact YMI at 257-4540 for details.

Sunday, September 20, 1 – 5 PM: WNC 4 Peace and its sponsors host “The People’s Peace Festival” at the French Food Co-op on 76 Biltmore Ave. Music and an assortment of activities are still being put together for families and activists. Since Rev. William Barber is expected to be in Asheville for the "Americans Who Tell the Truth" Exhibit at YMI on that day, organizers have invited him to stop by at the Peace Festival to accept its Peace Maker of the Year Award, as well.

On the same day at 2 PM Dobra Tea at 120 Broadway, Black Mountain, will be celebrating Tea for Peace. Events include face painting, live music by Company News, free yoga, art and poetry readings will fill the day.

Monday, September 21, 11:30 AM: WNC 4 Peace and sponsors will host the “International Day of Peace Celebration in downtown Asheville at the Peace Pole near Asheville City Building (Behind Pack’s Tavern). Peace activists along with Performers David LaMotte, Geri Littlejohn and Rhoda Weaver will sing songs of hope, inspiration, and peace with people of diverse beliefs in a troubled world. The celebration will also include group meditation, and a 12 noonbell tolling throughout the city, Dances for Universal Peace, inspirational insights from local peace leaders, and Asheville White Dove Releases. Those who wish can initiate a Walk for Peace following the program. For the first time, in addition to Proclamations for Peace Day from the city and county governments, this year the Buncombe County State Delegation will also present its Proclamation at the event.

In addition to celebrations happening in Buncombe county, other International Day of Peace events are planned by peace groups in Haywood, Henderson and Yancey counties.

The United Nations International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year since the early 1980s to recognize the efforts of those who have worked to end conflict and promote peace. This day is also a day of ceasefire -- personal and political, organizers stress. The theme this year is "Dignity for All."

"None of this would have been possible without the support of our dozens of sponsors," Rachael Bliss, an organizer of the celebration notes.

Sponsors include Veterans for Peace Chapter 099, Peace is Possible NC, the United Nations Association of WNC, Ashevillage, Asheville Friends Meeting of the Religious Sciety of Friends (Quakers), the Baha'i Community of Buncombe County, Brooks Howell Residents, Blue Ridge Pride Center, Center for Spiritual Living, Circle of Mercy, Creative Peacemakers, Elders Fierce for Justice, Episcopal Peace Fellowship of WNC, Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, First Christian Church of Black Mountain, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Just Peace for Israel/Palestine, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Mountain People's Assembly, North Carolina Green Party, North Carolina Peace Action, Papa and Mama Bear's Peace Garden, Parish of St. Eugene, Peacemaking Potluck of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, People's Acupuncture of Asheville, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of WNC, the School of Peace, Servanthood House, St. James Episcopal Church of Black Mountain, Swannanoa Valley Pax Christi, UPS Store, , WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility and Zack Zackary and Healing Love Institute.

"We especially thank the French Broad Food Co-op, also one of our early sponsors, who championed our cause at the last minute to be able to hold our event on their property," Bliss remarked.